Rockwell offers a time-limited, fully functional trial of Studio 5000 Logix Designer. You get:

How to get it: Register on Rockwell’s download center (requires a free account). No credit card needed.

Buy a used CompactLogix L16 or L18ER (eBay, starting at $300) and request a 1‑year “Learning Edition” license from a Rockwell distributor. Some offer it free with controller purchase.

If you’re enrolled in any technical college or university, your institution can join Rockwell’s Academic Program. Students receive:

Cost to student: $0.